Three influential nations have been granted authorization to retaliate against Trump's imposed tariffs.

In the bustling city of Tianjin, China, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit is underway, with a significant focus on geopolitical tensions and economic cooperation. Among the key figures attending the summit is President Vladimir Putin of Russia.

During a recent interview with RBK TV channel, Vladimir Zaharov, a renowned diplomat, Sinologist, and professor at the Diplomatic Academy of the Russian MFA, shared his insights on the summit's implications. Zaharov, who is also a former Deputy Secretary-General of the SCO, emphasised that the measures promised by U.S. President Donald Trump against India, including a 50% increase in tariffs, indicate that India is beginning to feel its independence in big politics.

Zaharov suggested that this situation could lead to discussions among China, India, and Russia about joint resistance and countermeasures against Trump's tariffs. He further noted that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is "offended" by Trump and "all of India is outraged" by his words that he resolved India's conflict with Pakistan.

The expert believes that the current situation has pushed India, whose relations with the U.S. have been developing, "into the arms of the SCO." Zaharov also pointed out that one should not expect an invitation for North Korea "until the ground for this is ripe."

Bilateral contacts with the Chinese leadership are scheduled after the SCO summit. Discussions between Russia and China in the coming days will focus on further developing their political relations, expanding economic cooperation, and creating a reliable payment system. The expert suggested that a trilateral meeting of China, India, and Russia could occur during the summit, as these countries are "practically superpowers that currently determine the economic agenda of the world."

The SCO summit, which is taking place from August 31 to September 1, is not only a platform for discussions on geopolitical tensions but also an opportunity to commemorate historical milestones. On September 3, Putin will participate in commemorative events marking the 80th anniversary of the victory over militarist Japan and the end of World War II in Beijing.

Following the SCO summit, Putin will proceed to Beijing to attend these commemorative events. The discussions during the summit emphasised strategic alliance-building and fairness in international relations amid geopolitical tensions, particularly concerning the Ukraine crisis and western influence.

Zaharov also suggested that it might be possible to invite Afghanistan to restore its relations with the SCO (interaction was suspended after the change of power in Kabul in 2021). The discussions between Russia and China in the coming days will undoubtedly shape the future of these powerful nations and their relationships with other global players.